Heritage Garden

Our New ‘Old’ Garden

The Heritage Garden was conceived in 2015 to mark the 25th anniversary of our incorporation on September 19, 1990. As the Park is located on land rich in agricultural history, it seemed fitting to plan a garden with plants that early settlers had growing at the time.

On early homesteads, rows of trees were planted and used as a windbreak and for shelter. Large vegetable gardens were important to provide food that could be stored or preserved for use during the months until the following summer's harvest. Of lesser concern were ornamental plantings near the home itself. However, over time, plants were brought over by settlers from Europe.. These plants were generously shared and soon there were hardy flowering perennials and shrubs around many farm homes.

Volunteers (and a few grandchildren) planted the first plants on August 5, 2016. By fall of 2017, considerable progress had been made with many of our native 'weeds' finally under control and replaced by a variety of shrubs and perennials. In 2018 several items used on farms in the first half of the 20th century were installed in the Heritage Garden. A water pump, metal pail, watering can and pitchfork were donated by volunteers. We acquired a plough used in the rural area near Wainwright and that became a central feature in this new area.

Although plantings in the Heritage Garden are fairly 'new' and not fully established, the area looks amazing and proved to be very popular with visitors. The garden truly represents a time in our history when our grandparents and great-grandparents worked the land.

We felt it was important to include a few vegetables in the Heritage Garden as food crops were essential to early settlers.

We ask that visitors please do not enter the beds and remove tomatoes, onions or other vegetables.

150th Celebration Garden

The St. Albert Botanic Park was the only location chosen in St. Albert for a special planting of 1,000 tulips to celebrate Canada's 150th Anniversary in 2017. The 150th Celebration Garden in the Botanic Park is one of 150 locations across Canada and will be part of 'Canada's Garden Route'. A planting ceremony on September 28, 2016 saw the first tulips planted by St. Albert's Mayor Nolan Crouse, Park President Joan Johnson, Park founder John Beedle and Keenooshayo Elementary School Principal Michael Erickson in a special bed within the Heritage Garden. 500 white 'Hakuun' and 500 'Red Impression' tulips were planted in the shape of a red maple leaf surrounded by white. A blooming ceremony was held on May 24, 2017 with full participation from the tulips which were in full bloom. Tulips were distributed through the Park in 2018 and they can be seen in various beds in the spring.

The St. Albert Botanic Park gardens are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are not permitted within the Park.

Professional photography sessions must be booked in advance and organized group activities must have prior approval.